The High Priestess: Tarot Card Meaning
Card 2 of the Major Arcana, The High Priestess carries its own distinct traditional symbolism — here's what it represents upright and reversed.
Quick Answer
The High Priestess is card 2 of the Tarot's Major Arcana. Upright, it traditionally represents upright, the high priestess represents intuition, hidden knowledge, and inner wisdom. Reversed, it's traditionally read as reversed, the high priestess is traditionally read as disconnection from intuition, secrets coming to light, or ignoring an inner voice that's trying to be heard. As with all Tarot cards, its meaning is shaped by its position in the spread and the surrounding cards.
In This Guide
Card Symbolism
The High Priestess is traditionally depicted seated between two pillars, one black and one white, holding a scroll of hidden knowledge, with a veil behind her symbolizing the boundary between the conscious and unconscious mind.
Upright Meaning
Upright, The High Priestess represents intuition, hidden knowledge, and inner wisdom. It's traditionally read as a call to trust your inner voice and pay attention to what isn't being said outright.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, The High Priestess is traditionally read as disconnection from intuition, secrets coming to light, or ignoring an inner voice that's trying to be heard.
A reversed card isn't traditionally read as simply "the opposite" or automatically negative — it's more often read as the same core theme, expressed inwardly, delayed, or blocked, rather than openly.
The High Priestess in Different Readings
The High Priestess is often especially relevant to love and inner reflection readings, though as a Major Arcana card, it can meaningfully appear in a spread on any life theme, always interpreted through its specific position.
Summary: Key Takeaways
- The High Priestess is card 2 of the Major Arcana.
- Upright and reversed positions traditionally shift its emphasis, not its core theme entirely.
- Its meaning is always read alongside its position and surrounding cards in a spread.
How PalmGuru Reads The High Priestess
PalmGuru's Tarot feature interprets The High Priestess according to its traditional Major Arcana symbolism, whether upright or reversed, within the context of your specific spread and question.
This guide reflects traditional interpretations, provided for entertainment and self-reflection purposes only and not as medical, legal, financial, or psychological advice. See our Terms of Service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The High Priestess mean upright?
Upright, The High Priestess represents intuition, hidden knowledge, and inner wisdom. It's traditionally read as a call to trust your inner voice and pay attention to what isn't being said outright.
What does The High Priestess mean reversed?
Reversed, The High Priestess is traditionally read as disconnection from intuition, secrets coming to light, or ignoring an inner voice that's trying to be heard.
What number is The High Priestess in the Major Arcana?
The High Priestess is card 2 of the 22 Major Arcana cards.
What do the two pillars behind The High Priestess represent?
Traditionally, the balance between opposing forces — light and dark, conscious and unconscious, known and unknown.
How does PalmGuru interpret The High Priestess?
PalmGuru's Tarot feature interprets The High Priestess according to its traditional symbolism, upright or reversed, within your spread.
Discover More with PalmGuru
PalmGuru combines AI with traditional palmistry, Kundli, Vedic astrology, numerology, Panchang, Tarot, and Vastu to provide personalized insights inspired by traditional knowledge. Download PalmGuru today.